FCT Poll: INEC Declares PDP’s Kasim Winner of Gwagwalada Chairmanship

Mohammed Kasim

FCT Poll: INEC Declares PDP’s Kasim Winner of Gwagwalada Chairmanship

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

INEC’s Returning Officer, Philip Akpeni, announced the result after the successful collation of votes from all wards, confirming that the PDP candidate met all legal requirements to be returned elected.

According to the official results, Kasim polled 22,165 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Yahaya, who scored 17,788 votes. Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came third with 1,687 votes.

“That Mohammed Kasim of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Akpeni stated while announcing the result of the 2026 FCT Area Council election held on February 21, 2026.

Election Held Across 10 Wards

The Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election was conducted across ten wards — Paiko, Dobi, Gwako, Ibwa, Staff Quarters, Zuba, Ikwa, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Centre, and Tunga Maje. INEC officials confirmed that voting commenced largely on schedule, with election materials delivered on time and no major disruptions recorded.

APC Candidate Commends INEC, Security Agencies

Despite losing the contest, APC candidate Usman Yahaya commended INEC for what he described as the timely distribution of election materials and the professionalism of polling officials.

He also praised the role of security agencies, noting the visible deployment of personnel across polling units in the FCT, which he said contributed to a largely peaceful exercise.

Low Voter Turnout Raises Grassroots Concerns

Yahaya, however, expressed concern over low voter turnout, attributing it to voter apathy and what he described as a disconnect between residents and the area councils.

According to him, the cosmopolitan nature of the FCT and the perception that local government elections have limited impact continue to discourage participation, though he expressed optimism that civic engagement would improve in future polls.

PDP Hails Victory

PDP supporters in parts of Gwagwalada celebrated the victory, describing the outcome as a reflection of grassroots confidence in Kasim’s agenda, which focused on improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and youth inclusion at the council level.

INEC maintained that the election substantially complied with electoral guidelines, adding that the process was peaceful and orderly.